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McIlroy to defend Australian Open title

Darren Walton

Golf Australia hopes the world's top two players can deliver a spectacular encore to the 2013 Australian Open after luring superstar Rory McIlroy back for a title defence in November.

Fresh from victories at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio and the British Open at Hoylake, McIlroy on Wednesday confirmed he would be at The Australian Golf Club from November 27-30 for the $1.25 million event.

The popular Northern Irishman denied Adam Scott on the final hole in a thrilling climax to last year's Open at Royal Sydney.

Scott led the tournament for all but one hole after carding a sizzling course-record 10-under-par 62 on day one and Golf Australia boss Stephen Pitt said having the Australian duel again with McIlroy would be great for fans.

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"Adam is currently finalising his playing schedule for the end of the year," Pitt said.

"The battle on the final day of the Emirates Australian Open between Adam and Rory last year was one of the greatest days in Australian golf and no doubt everyone would love to see it again."

McIlroy is the favourite heading into the PGA Championship, the final major of the season starting on Thursday night, after reigniting his career with his first win of 2013 in Sydney last year.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back to Sydney in November to defend my Emirates Australian Open title," the 25-year-old said.

"I had a terrific experience last year in front of great crowds. They really loved the showdown between myself and Adam. And it proved to be a really important win for me.

"I believe my return to form was given real momentum in Australia last year. I've heard great things about The Australian Golf Club since the Jack Nicklaus redesign and I look forward to competing in front of the Aussie fans again later in the year."

McIlroy won the 2012 US PGA Championship at Kiawah Island and the 2011 US Open at Congressional among seven PGA Tour victories to date.

With his British Open win in Liverpool, he joined the record books with Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only three players to have won three major championships by the age of 25.

"We are thrilled that Rory is able to return to Sydney in November. His commanding wins at the Open Championship and the Bridgestone Invitational were another demonstration of his extraordinary talent which has made him the household name that he is," Pitt said.

"As the defending champion and based on the volume of responses we had from the fans, sponsors and TV viewers, we were obviously very keen to have Rory come back to Australia.

"We're excited about the potential of Rory rekindling the final-round battle from 2013 and the stage is set for a huge week at The Australian Golf Club."